Fields of Mistria Valen

HaydenDon't sugarcoat it, Valen! You're gonna have to take off the foot, I just know it!

ValenYou twisted your ankle tripping over a sack of grain, Hayden.

HaydenKeep off that foot for two weeks... I'll come check up on you, and we can go from there.

HaydenAri, I'm doomed... I can't work my field for two weeks. My harvest is going to be ruined...

HaydenAnd then I'll starve to death... and my poor, dear chicken Henrietta... she'll have to arrange the funeral herself, and...

ValenOh, hush, Hayden. You should have said as much earlier.

HaydenAri, could you go into the basement? There's a barrel in the corner... bring me one scoop of what's inside.

Barrel?

Basement?

HaydenYou'll see. Now, quickly please, Hayden is in no danger of expiring, but his belly-aching isn't doing any of us any good.

HaydenThank you, Ari.

What are you doing?

What is that?

HaydenJust a moment, Ari, speed is essential to an effective application.

HaydenOh... ohhh! Amazing!

HaydenI'm CURED! You're a miracle worker, Doctor!

ValenDon't run, Hayden! Stay hydrated! Make sure you get plenty of rest!

HaydenThanks for helping out, Ari. You're here for your check-up?

HaydenGood, go lie down on the bed, I'll be right with you.

HaydenYou've got a clean bill of health, Ari. All that fresh air and outdoor work have you in tiptop shape.

HaydenAnything else you'd like to ask me? Don't hesitate, patient confidentiality is part of a doctor's code.

What's with the creepy basement?

What was that powder in the barrel? Can I have some?

HaydenIs there anything about your personal health you'd like to ask me about?

HaydenNow, I've got to get ready for my next patient... have a nice day, Ari.

ValenI think two hundred tesserae is fitting for such high quality peat. Thank you again, Ari.

What are you going to use it for?

Hey, can I see your creepy basement again?

ValenAn experiment on the nature of the bacteria in this soil.

Valen...

ValenWould you like to come down and see my work?

ValenMy family have been doctors for generations, this is our laboratory. Over the years, my ancestors made many contributions to the science of medicine.

ValenOne of whom invented the panacea I used to instantly cure Hayden's ankle.

ValenShe made a stockpile of it that my family has been using over the years only when there's been a real need for it.

ValenI've made it my life's work to recreate the recipe, which has been lost to time. I think I'm getting close...

ValenI'm telling you this because I think I can trust you with this secret, Ari. I can trust you, yes?

Your secret is safe with me.

You wouldn't believe the secrets I'm already keeping!

ValenThank you Ari, it means a lot to me that I can trust you.

ValenThis is batch three hundred and twelve.

ValenIt's a bit more... volatile than my previous batches.

ValenAri, can I rely on you to make notes when I take it? I may become incapacitated.

Then let me drink it, for science!

Can I drink it? It looks really tasty...

ValenI've never had a volunteer before, that's very generous of you.

ValenThank you Ari. I really appreciate this.

ValenReady!

ValenOh dear.

ValenComing to? How do you feel?

I saw my life flash before my eyes...

I feel great!

ValenI'm sorry, Ari.

ValenI've wanted to keep my work secret until I was successful, but with the last of the panacea gone, this has become more urgent...

ValenCan I count on you to help me, Ari?

ValenThank you.

ValenI promise not to risk harming your health again.

ValenI'm going to collect all my notes together and try to narrow down what's gone wrong. I'll let you know when it's time to start mixing up the next test batch.

Afterwards

ValenOh, for my request? Thank you! Come with me and I'll get your payment.

ValenJuniper, thank you for agreeing to this meeting.

JuniperHow could I possibly think of refusing, Doctor Valen?

JuniperAfter all, I haven't had a good laugh in ages.

JuniperLet's see these "notes" of yours.

JuniperNow let's see...

JuniperWhat unique handwriting!

JuniperShame the content is drivel. You've made no real progress on the missing key ingredient, have you?

ValenDo you have insight that you'd care to share, or is this just your usual badmouthing?

JuniperThis whole thing is such a rat's nest.

JuniperYou would have better luck focusing on a smaller problem, something more suited to your skill level. Wart removal, perhaps?

Valen's worked hard and made a lot of progress.

Hey, don't be a jerk.

JuniperWhy Valen, your test subject speaks! Good to know your reckless experiments didn't do any permanent damage.

ValenAri is a valued colleague and friend. We are both here because we recognize the importance of this research.

JuniperI suppose it is a mark of sincerity that you two would be willing to embarrass yourselves like this...

JuniperVery well, you have my support. Just don't expect me to do all the work.

I knew we could count on you!

Just admit you're out of your depth, Juniper.

JuniperWell, that makes one of us.

JuniperThe herb you're looking for is colloquially known as Cliffblossom. I believe you can find it growing at the Western Ruins.

ValenYou figured that out by just... glancing at my notes?

JuniperHumbling isn't it? And you're welcome, by the way.

JuniperNeed anything else? When it grows? The best time to pick it? What part of the plant is most effective for your work?

ValenI-

JuniperOh, of course not! I'll leave you two sleuths to it. Now if you'll excuse me...

JuniperDozy, see them out.

ValenHonestly, that went better than I expected.

Dozy(Dozy appears to be agreeing with Valen.)

ValenIt seems my research isn't done, but at least we have a lead.

ValenThank you for sticking by and standing up for me, Ari.

ValenIt... means a lot to me. I don't think I could have done this by myself.

ValenI'll let you know when it's time to go hunting for the Cliffblossom.

Afterwards

Dozy(You're not quite sure, but Dozy seems to be giving the impression that Juniper really enjoyed having Valen and you over.)

JuniperI'd ask you to forgive my behavior with the town "doctor" but...

ValenAs much as I hate to admit it, I can see why I missed Cliffblossom as a lead.

ValenOh good, you made it!

ValenI've been making it a point to come up here whenever I have the chance, but so far I haven't had any luck spotting a Cliffblossom...

ValenWith a second pair of eyes, I like our chances much better.

ValenThis area was only revealed after the earthquake.

ValenI'm sure it's hiding plenty of secrets, and I'm determined to keep searching till we find our elusive final ingredient.

ValenI've asked Eiland and Errol to keep an eye out while they're here working, but...

ValenWell, it's probably best that we do a circuit ourselves, don't you think?

Cliffblossom... do we have any other details?

I'll pick every flower I can find!

ValenWe'll want to look for a pink flower, with four petals.

ValenYou would think those features would make it stand out but... frankly I've yet to see anything like it.

ValenI'm not usually one for fieldwork, but piecing together clues to track down a rare herb...

ValenIt's a bit like something out of a mystery novel, isn't it?

It's exciting!

You'll have to write it!

ValenI couldn't agree more.

ValenSeems like today isn't the day.

ValenResearch is all about persistence. I suppose we'll just have to come back another time.

Why don't we check the ruins themselves?

But I want to spend more time with you.

ValenHmm... despite the name of the plant, I suppose we were simply told the "Western Ruins", weren't we?

ValenI think that... yes... that's a Cliffblossom!

ValenIt's out of reach...

ValenThere's a ladder in the tent at the digsite. Ari, can you go and get it?

ValenHold the ladder steady for me, will you?

ValenThis stonework seems liable to give way at any moment, I'll need to be delicate.

ValenCareful...

ValenI've got it!

ValenQuick, let's get the flower back to my lab!

ValenAri!

ValenPlease, hold on just a little longer, Ari. This panacea must work... I'll stake my life on it!

ValenThere's no getting around it, I'll have to test it on myself.

ValenIt has to work... it just has to.

Valen...

ValenCome on, Doc. Get it together!

ValenIt works!

ValenHold on, I'm coming, Ari!

ValenOh, thank goodness you're awake. How are you feeling, Ari?

I feel... fine? What happened?

Good, but are you okay?

ValenYou took a direct hit from that falling stone.

ValenThankfully, I just used a fresh batch of panacea to heal you.

ValenIf you're feeling up to it, why don't we head upstairs and I'll fill you in on the details?

Valen-I could immediately tell something was different when I used the Cliffblossom in the recipe.

ValenOh, I'm so relieved.

ValenI couldn't have made more panacea without you, Ari. I'm very grateful.

ValenBut as your doctor...

ValenNo, not just as your doctor-

ValenI never wanted to risk any harm coming to you. Why did you jump in the way like that?

Because you're my best friend!

Because I care about you... more than anyone!

ValenAri...

ValenI couldn't ask for a better best friend.

ValenBut please...

ValenNo more putting yourself in danger for my sake.

ValenEven though we figured out how to make more panacea... I'd prefer not to have occasion to use it.

ValenOkay? You promise?

ValenI can't thank you enough for everything you've done, Ari.

ValenI feel that I can finally rest easy...

ValenKnowing that we can protect the people of Mistria... together.

Afterwards

BalorGlad to hear you and Valen tracked down that rare flower she was searching for.

CelineValen told me all about your adventures finding a Cliffblossom! You're both so brave!

EilandSo you and Valen found the Cliffblossom? Incredible work!

ErrolValen told me about what happened, I'm relieved you're alright, Ari.

JuniperPlease extend my congratulations to you and Valen on finding the last ingredient for her little poultice.

ValenI feel such a sense of relief, now that we have recovered the panacea's recipe.

ValenI feel such a sense of relief, now that we have recovered the panacea's recipe.

ValenThanks for coming out here with me, Ari.

ValenWalking around these ruins always reminds me of you, and the time we went searching for the Cliffblossom together.

ValenI suppose I've never articulated this, but... there aren't many people I can turn to for help.

ValenMistria is a place where neighbors support each other, but...

ValenI'm a doctor, and the townsfolk are my patients.

ValenAs a professional, it stands to reason that I try not to speak much about my own troubles.

ValenThat line of thinking began at my practice, but eventually it appeared in most facets of my life.

ValenAnd over time I simply... got used to thinking that way. Perhaps I even began to prefer it.

ValenI took it as a fact of life, that I had to do things alone... until you walked into my Clinic.

What did you even think of me, walking in straight from my work in the fields?

I'm glad I came in for a checkup that day.

ValenThat you were awfully cute, with that smudge of dirt on your cheek and the sweat on your brow.

ValenWhen we first met, rediscovering the formula for the Panacea was weighing on me every day.

ValenMy research was a secret. My own burden to bear.

ValenBut you surprised me. You assisted me with Hayden, helped me handle Juniper, and joined me in the search for the elusive Cliffblossom.

ValenYou made it so easy to ask for help. Sometimes, I didn't even need to ask.

ValenDon't misunderstand, I like that I can depend on myself.

ValenBut being self-sufficient doesn't need to mean... being alone.

ValenThank you for reminding me of that.

ValenIt's an understatement, but... you've truly enriched my life, Ari.

I'm always here for you... no matter what you need!

I feel the same. You taught me to take better care of myself.

ValenOh? I'll make a note of that. Haha!

ValenI...

ValenHow do I say this? I'm thankful to know you...

ValenAnd to be close to you.

ValenYou're precious to me, Ari.

ValenThat's why I gave you the Panacea Jar.

ValenThe Panacea is still quite rare, but I want you to always have some on hand.

ValenSo you'll always be safe. That's important to me.

ValenI care for all the townsfolk, but...

ValenIt's different, with you.

ValenI suppose I am, ah... more personally invested in your well-being.

ValenBut you know that already, don't you? O-of course you do...

ValenSorry... I don't know what's gotten into me today.

ValenI'm not usually one to be so talkative, nor to have so much trouble with my words...

ValenIn any case, you had mentioned there was something you wanted to discuss?

I wanted to talk to you about our future together...

Let's talk about it another time...

ValenOur future?

ValenIn what sense?

I love you, Valen. Will you marry me?

Actually, let's talk about it more another day.

Valen...

ValenYou want to... marry me?

ValenYes! Of course I will!

ValenThere's nothing I want more.

ValenI'm so happy I can hardly think straight!

ValenI love you, Ari!

ValenI love you so much!

Afterwards

ValenYou have a pensive look, Ari.